Wide Format Printing

Printed Panels That Carry the Message and Keep the View

Our wide format printing service is set up for perforated one-way vision film, not general signage. That means the artwork is prepared to suit the hole pattern in the film so the printed face looks sharp from outside while still allowing some visibility from the inside once the panels are fitted. The balance between image and see-through area depends on the perforation ratio selected for the job, commonly around 50/50 or 60/40, with the final choice based on the window size, viewing distance and how much daylight you need to keep inside.

We produce panels for shopfront glazing, office partitions, vehicle side windows and rear windows where the installation is legal and appropriate. The film can be printed in full colour with blockouts, logos, contact details, product images and large text. For vehicle window film, the driver’s view must remain legal, so current road traffic rules should be checked before fitting any perforated film to a vehicle. In practice, this matters most for windscreen areas, front side windows and any glass that affects the driver line of sight.

What Happens Before a Panel Goes to Print

Good output starts with accurate setup. Before printing, we check the size of each window, the direction of the perforations, edge clearances, joins and any handles, heater lines or trims that could affect the finish. Where needed, the team does site measuring or vehicle templating so the print layout matches the actual panel sizes, not just a rough estimate. That saves time later and helps avoid waste on reprints.

Artwork is then prepared for the material. Fine details, small lettering and pale colours need to be handled carefully on perforated film because the holes can soften the image if the design is too busy. We adjust bleed, safe zones and key visual elements so the panel still reads well from the pavement or the road. If the job is for a branded fleet, the same artwork can be repeated across multiple vehicles with consistent positioning.

• Measured window dimensions and fitting notes
• Artwork checks for scale, crop and visibility
• Material choice based on the intended application
• Proof approval before print runs begin

Print, Lamination and Finishing Details

We print on wide format equipment suitable for long runs and larger panels, then finish the film with lamination where required. Lamination helps protect the printed face from handling, cleaning and weather exposure, which is useful on both shopfronts and vehicles. For Durban and other coastal areas, lamination is especially important because humidity, salt air and frequent washing can shorten the life of an unprotected print. On inland sites the main concerns are dust, heat and strong sun.

The lamination step also helps during installation because it gives the film a tougher surface for squeegeeing and trimming. On some jobs the film may be fitted without extra lamination if the application is short term or the exposure is limited, but most retail and vehicle work benefits from the added protection. Panels are then cut, labelled and packed for fitting or dispatch, depending on whether the job is going to our installation team or to a client in another province.

• Colour-managed large format printing
• Optional protective lamination
• Panel cutting and labelling
• Dispatch ready packing for nationwide supply

Installation Readiness for Glass and Vehicles

Before perforated one-way vision film is applied to glass, the surface needs proper preparation. On shopfronts, the surface must be free from dust, old adhesive, silicone and grease. On vehicles, old decals or damaged film should be removed first and the glass cleaned properly so the new film bonds well. Our service includes surface preparation, old film removal and fitting support, so the printed panels are not arriving on site half ready.

Glass installation is handled differently from vehicle installation because the conditions are different. Shopfronts often need more attention to panel alignment, edge sealing and public-facing presentation. Vehicle windows need tighter handling around curves, rubber seals and heating elements. For drivers in Pretoria, Johannesburg, Cape Town, Gqeberha and other busy cities, the practical issue is clear visibility from the inside during bright sun, night driving and stop-start traffic. A well fitted perforated print should support branding without getting in the way of safe use.

Turnaround, Dispatch and the Way We Price Jobs

Turnaround depends on artwork readiness, panel size, print volume and whether lamination or fitting is included. Smaller jobs can move quickly once the artwork is approved, while larger retail rollouts and vehicle sets need more time for preparation, printing and finishing. Because we serve Cape Town, Johannesburg, Durban, Pretoria and Gqeberha, the schedule also depends on whether the work is collected locally, installed on site or sent out with nationwide dispatch.

Pricing is based on the actual scope of the job rather than a one-size-fits-all rate. That includes measured size, print coverage, perforation type, lamination choice, installation complexity and any old film removal. We quote clearly so clients can see what is included and what is optional. If a site needs a full refit and refresh, we can separate the work into measuring, production, removal and reinstallation so the costs stay visible and manageable.

• Quoted by size, material and finishing requirements
• Local installation or dispatch options available
• Extra steps quoted separately where needed
• Suitable for single sites and multi-branch rollouts

Care, cleaning and inspection

Once installed, perforated film needs sensible care to keep it looking good. For shopfront glass, regular cleaning with a soft cloth and mild cleaner is usually enough. Avoid abrasive pads, hard scrapers and solvent-based products that can damage the print or the lamination. For vehicles, wash the glass gently and do not blast the edges with high pressure at close range. This helps prevent lifting, especially along corners and trims.

The need for inspection depends on exposure. A protected interior-facing job may only need occasional checks, while a vehicle parked outdoors every day in strong sun should be inspected more often. We usually suggest a review after the first few weeks, then again after seasonal changes or heavy weather. If edges start to lift, if dirt collects in the perforations, or if a panel is scratched beyond cleaning, the affected section can be replaced without redoing the full installation. That keeps the branding neat and avoids unnecessary downtime.

Who Handles the Work

OneWayVision is based in Montague Gardens, Cape Town and has supplied perforated one-way vision film from 1993. The work is led by Marius Ntsele, with support from Ayanda Mbele in sales, Liam Maseko in print production, Noluthando Liebenberg on installations, Ridwaan Hlongwane for vehicle graphics and Chantel Fortuin in customer support. That mix matters because wide format printing needs careful checking from first measure to final fit.

Clients use the enquiry form on our contact page to start the process, whether they need supply only or a full measuring, printing and fitting package. We work across Bellville, Milnerton, Montague Gardens and the rest of Cape Town, and we also supply projects into Johannesburg, Durban, Pretoria and Gqeberha. For shopfronts and vehicles alike, the aim is the same: printed panels that fit properly, read clearly and hold up in South African conditions.